New Delhi, 28 September (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered former international working president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Ashok Singhal on the occasion of his birth centenary, saying that his life remained dedicated to society, culture and the nation. He also recalled Singhal’s organisational skills, his commitment to social harmony and his role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

In an article, the Prime Minister said Singhal’s life exemplified the belief that a person should attach greater importance to a life devoted to public welfare than to personal achievements. Referring to a Sanskrit subhashita, he said that just as trees do not keep their fruits for themselves and rivers do not retain their water for their own use, people of saintly disposition dedicate their lives to serving others.

Modi said the birth centenary year of Ashok Singhal began on September 27. Sharing memories of his long association with Singhal, the Prime Minister recalled an incident from 1981 when he received a handwritten letter from him. Modi said Singhal travelled to remote parts of the country and constantly reflected on working for the underprivileged and those at the margins of society. He also recalled his experience of working alongside Singhal following the 2001 Kutch earthquake.

The Prime Minister said that despite coming from an affluent family, Singhal chose a different path and dedicated his life to society and culture. Referring to Singhal’s association with Prayagraj and Kashi, Modi said he had a deep interest in spiritual practice, education, particularly Vedic education, and music. He had studied at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and was also associated with the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative.

Highlighting Singhal’s organisational abilities, Modi recalled the conference held in the United States in 1993 to mark the centenary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago address, as well as the World Hindu Conference held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2000. He said Singhal was affectionate towards his colleagues and that his encouragement infused workers with renewed energy.

Referring to Singhal’s role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the Prime Minister recalled his address at the Boat Club rally in 1991 and an image of him in an injured condition during the movement, which remained etched in public memory for a long time. He said the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was made possible through the dedication of figures such as Singhal. Modi also highlighted Singhal’s emphasis on social harmony, saying that he opposed discrimination in society and advocated equal dignity and respect for everyone.

The Prime Minister said Singhal attached particular importance to nation-building, as well as education and music. He encouraged young people to read and was himself a good singer. Modi said Singhal’s ideals continued to serve as a source of inspiration and that efforts should be made on the occasion of his birth centenary to familiarise the younger generation with his life and contributions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar